​​Life for refugee children in this camp is particularly harsh. Unemployment stands at 60%, there are high levels of disability, with limited services in place to address this. The supply of water to the camp is often rationed, and extreme poverty and overcrowding prevail.

Despite the upsurge of violence across the region, The Sheepfold continues to help children and young people with a wide range of special needs, especially those with no other place to go with severe disabilities.

Music Therapy is a powerful medium which helps children who may struggle to express themselves. This project was initiated in 2015 by ABCD Trustee and Music Therapist, Canon Claire Tillotson, in conjunction with Paediatric Psychiatrist Dr Souha Shehadeh, who leads the Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation (BASR) Mental Health Team.

Music Therapy is a powerful medium which helps children who may struggle to express themselves. This project was initiated in 2015 by ABCD Trustee and Music Therapist, Canon Claire Tillotson, in conjunction with Paediatric Psychiatrist Dr Souha Shehadeh, who leads the Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation (BASR) Mental Health Team.

Welcome to the ABCD Autumn 2018 Newsletter. It’s a real privilege to share with you the stories of just a few of the children whose lives are being improved through rehabilitation.

ABCD at Greenbelt 2018

It was fantastic to be able to meet so many of you at Greenbelt Festival this year.

Spring Bulletin 2018

Welcome, supporters, to ABCD’s Spring Bulletin in which you will find updates on our work across the West Bank and other news regarding our support of children and their families who we are privileged to help thanks to your generous funding.

ABCD works through Palestinian partners, the Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation (BASR) based in Beit Jala, The Sheepfold in Beit Sahour and two UNWRA Refugee Camps in Jalazone and Nour Shams.

Music Therapy Programme 2017

Sophie Williams, a music therapist who trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama, undertook at 10 week music therapy programme at the Bethlehem Arab Society for Rehabilitation in 2017. The following is Sophie's report of her time in the West Bank, the numerous projects engaged with and some of the children she got to know:

Tribute to Rupert Ridge

It is with very great regret and great sadness we report the death of Rupert Ridge in his 69th year. Rupert was a past Chairman and dear friend of ABCD.

Palestine Marathon 2017

In our most elaborate fundraiser to date, ABCD sent a team of adventurous people take part in the Palestinian Marathon on 31st March, 2017. Our hearty group of runners completed a mix of either a full or half marathon or a 10K run depending on their abilities.